You’ve likely heard the saying that most car accidents occur “close to home,” but did you know a substantial number also happen in parking lots? It might be tempting to assume that parking lots are safe and secure due to their simple layouts and slow speed limits, but in reality, parking lots pose a number of hazards and safety concerns for drivers across the country.

In Tennessee, parking lot accidents are treated with the same seriousness as any other motor vehicle collision, as their consequences can be equally severe. Let’s cover everything Knoxville residents need to know about parking lot accidents and discuss what options may be available to you if you’ve been injured in a crash.

How common are parking lot accidents?

According to the National Security Council, tens of thousands of car accidents take place in parking lots each and every year. These accidents aren’t just surprisingly common – they can be extremely dangerous. The NSC’s research indicates that nearly one in five accidents occurs in a parking lot, with as many as 60,000 people injured in these incidents each year.

With these statistics in mind, it is important to understand that parking lot accidents are just as significant as any other type of traffic incident. Collisions in parking lots and garages can result in substantial property damage and serious physical injuries to those involved. Subsequently, it is vital for drivers in Knoxville and across the country to engage in safe driving practices while navigating parking lots and to retain an understanding of their rights and responsibilities in the event of a parking lot collision.

What are some causes of parking lot accidents?

There are a number of factors that contribute to the relatively high incidence of parking lot accidents. Here are a few of the most common causes of parking lot collisions:

Distracted driving

Many drivers let their guards down in parking lots and garages and fail to follow standard safety protocols. In an NSC public opinion poll, a majority of respondents reported that they feel comfortable making phone calls, sending texts, and programming GPS units while driving through parking lots. However, distracted driving is dangerous in any context, and parking lots are no exception. The increased likelihood of distracted driving in these areas means that multiple drivers may simultaneously be unfocused, thus significantly raising the risk of a serious collision.

Illegal maneuvers

Distracted driving isn’t the only risky behavior commonly seen in parking lots. Many drivers engage in other unsafe practices while navigating non-traffic areas like parking lots and garages. Ignoring posted speed limits or directional signs can pose serious hazards to both vehicles and pedestrians. When a driver violates traffic safety laws or disregards posted guidelines in a parking lot, they may be held liable for any collisions resulting from their unlawful actions.

Insufficient maintenance

Business owners and public entities have a responsibility to properly and safely maintain their facilities, including all parking areas. Parking lots without adequate lighting, for example, can pose a wide range of safety risks to drivers and pedestrians. Similarly, cracked pavement, potholes and other roadway hazards can cause or contribute to an increased incidence of collisions and property damage in parking lots and garages.

What to do after a parking lot accident

If you are involved in a collision within a parking lot or garage in Knoxville, TN, here are the steps you should follow immediately after your accident:

1. Assess: Check for property damage and personal injuries. Call 911 immediately for anyone requiring medical assistance.
2. Get to safety: If a collision occurs in the middle of a parking lot or in a high-traffic area, drivers may opt to relocate their vehicles to a safer location away from other vehicle traffic.
3. Notify: In the absence of any serious injuries, drivers should contact the local non-emergency police line to report the accident to law enforcement. A law enforcement officer may be dispatched to the scene to take statements from involved parties and to determine whether any traffic violations have occurred.
4. Exchange: All parties involved in a motor vehicle accident should exchange information, including contact information, drivers’ licenses and insurance credentials.
5. Report: In the state of Tennessee, all motor vehicle collisions must be documented in a formal report. If a law enforcement officer does not report to the scene of a crash, drivers are responsible for self-reporting the accident according to the state’s reporting guidelines. Drivers should also report the crash to their respective insurance companies so the process of assessing liability can be initiated.

Who is at fault for a parking lot accident?

In Tennessee, fault for motor vehicle accidents is determined using a modified comparative negligence standard. Under this system, law enforcement officers, insurance adjusters, and sometimes courts assess the facts and evidence related to a collision to determine the degree of fault attributable to each involved party. Any compensatory damages awarded are adjusted based on each driver’s percentage of fault. For example, if a driver is found to be 20% at fault for an accident, their total compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, under Tennessee law, if a driver is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are solely responsible for their own damages and may not collect compensation from the other involved party.

If a parking lot accident occurs due to a third party’s negligence — such as insufficient lighting, poor signage, or hazardous conditions in a business’s parking lot — the property owner or business entity may share liability for the incident. In these cases, injured parties may have grounds to pursue compensation from the business. Consulting an experienced legal professional is critical to evaluating whether legal recourse is available and how to proceed with such a claim.

Injured in a parking lot accident?

If you’ve been involved in a parking lot accident in Knoxville, the team at Banks and Jones is here to provide the legal support you need to pursue a positive outcome. Whether you’re seeking to assess or challenge liability — be it a driver’s responsibility or that of a third-party entity — our experienced, local attorneys can help you navigate your unique situation with confidence. Contact us today for a free case consultation and see why Banks and Jones is a trusted advocate for justice in Knoxville.